Two-thirds (68%) of adults in the East of England say they are neither more pessimistic nor more optimistic about their personal finances following the UK’s vote to leave the EU, according to new research by the insolvency and restructuring trade body R3.

The survey also found that one-in-five (21%) adults in the East of England says they are more pessimistic since the referendum, compared to 11% who are more optimistic.

R3 Eastern chairman Frank Brumby said: “Despite the commotion and commentary around the outcome of the vote, for most individuals the decision to leave the EU has not made them any more optimistic or pessimistic about their personal finances.

“However, the pre-referendum warnings about the consequences of ‘Brexit’ look like they are still playing on the minds of a sizeable proportion of the population. By contrast, a far smaller proportion of Britons say they are optimistic about their personal finances in the wake of Brexit.”

Nationally, younger adults (18-24 year olds) are twice as likely (40%) to be more pessimistic since the vote to leave compared to 55-64 year olds (20%). Those who are extremely or very worried about their debt are more likely to be concerned about their finances following the vote to leave the EU (47%) than those who are not at all worried (18%).

Frank Brumby continued: “The general sense of uncertainty that the decision to leave has brought will be particularly unwelcome for those who were already concerned about their finances. While it’s easier than ever to borrow cheaply, the uncertainty regarding the stability of the UK economy is hindering future repayment planning.”